This is Gas Works Park, and I fell in love with it the moment I laid eyes on it. Right on Lake Union, old coal gasification plants (which reminds me of Howl's Moving Castle, or some sort of foreign land found in Hayao Miyazaki's films), beautiful landscaping designed by architect Richard Haag, the view of downtown Seattle across the water is amazing. I love the zigzag pathways, green grass, and the benches. I could probably spend all day here, taking photos. So glad my mom and I decided to make a pit stop here. If I had a car, I'd be visiting here weekly (probably after the Fremont Flea Market). Just beware of the dog poop, it seemed to be everywhere! Seriously dog owners, don't be lazy.

On another note, only 11 days til Christmas! It's my favorite holiday, I wish I could last all year round. I just watched the Glee Christmas episode, and it hit me as I watched Rory and Sam talk about being away from their families, that this will be my first Christmas away from home. SURE I've pretty much worked EVERY Christmas since 2003 (thank you Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, Honolulu Advertiser and Billabong Waikiki), but I always came home to a hot meal and my family, and I'd at least used to be able to spend the morning opening presents with them. Except one year I remember working Christmas Eve night (probably at the newspaper) and then opening Christmas morning at the Bong, opening presents at the Citron house with Priya. Last year I came home to lobster and steak cooked by my sister, and was watching Return of the Jedi. What will I do this year with Wayne? We have been invited to spend it with my cousin Chiemi, Odessa, and Oveena and their families in Bremerton. But after watching glee, I thought it would be nice volunteering at a food bank or somewhere where they provide meals for the homeless or less fortunate. I've googled a few places, but I can't seem to find any open on Christmas. I'm gonna keep searching... wish me luck.